The course aims to provide the student with a strong basic knowledge of Irish. It introduces students to the history of the Irish language and to early Irish literature. The course is designed to: Enable the student to understand and use basic structures of Irish grammar. Expose the student to a range of vocabulary and expressions which will allow her/him to present her/himself to, and communicate with Irish speakers. To foster autonomous language learning skills. To develop listening and speaking skills in Irish. To equip the student with basic writing skills.

Language element: This is an introductory course. Topics covered include: Meeting people, background and place of residence, the family, the house and accommodation, pastimes, daily life and talents and skills. Gaeltacht regions and certain dialect features will be discussed and some of the many Irish-language materials and resources available online will be explored. Note: The language syllabus of this course has been developed by NUI-Maynooth and follows the guidelines established by the Council of EuropeÆs Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Those who continue with module GA4116 in the spring semester will gain enough practice with the language to sit the A1 level European Certificate in Irish, known as Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge. The certificate examination is completely voluntary and is not administered by the University of Limerick, but does give the student an internationally recognized qualification in Irish. Please see course tutor if you would like more details. Lectures / Léachtaí: Lectures will cover the history of the Irish language and early Irish literature. Topics include the genetic relationship between Irish and other European languages, particularly other Celtic ones, and trace the development of the language from its primitive ancestor through to Old, Middle, and Early Modern Irish. A survey of early Irish literature will include selected stories from the Mythological, Ulster, and Fenian Cycles with analysis of predominant themes and symbolism.

Having completed this module, students will be able to: engage with, and respond appropriately to, spoken and written Irish language texts on everyday topics express themselves appropriately and accurately in spoken and written form on topics relating to their own lives

Having completed this module, students will be able to: discuss basic aspects of Irish language history and early Irish literature structure and assess own learning independent of the language classroom

Having completed this module, students will be able to: conduct basic conversations in Irish in a number of simulated environments use comprehensible pronunciation and intonation

Students will participate in one lecture as well as language tutorials practicing the language skills introduced in the module. Students will be given clear direction with regard to independent language learning.